NATIONAL BRIEFING | WASHINGTON; Aide To Ex-Representative Is Given Probation

BY BLOOMBERG NEWS

Published: August 17, 2007

The former chief of staff to former Representative Bob Ney was ordered to serve two years' probation for his role in the corruption scandal surrounding the lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The man, William Heaton, 29, left, who often served as Mr. Ney's contact with Mr. Abramoff, must also perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $5,000 fine, Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle said in Federal District Court. Mr. Heaton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in February. Prosecutors did not seek a prison term for Mr. Heaton, who cooperated with them by taping conversations with his boss. Mr. Ney, an Ohio Republican, is serving a prison term of two and a half years.